Meditation has always been thought of as a spiritual state, not just another religious practice, something that might take you to another dimension, and others. Interpretations of this practice vary among its believers. When people talk about it in relation to eastern religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Zen Buddhism, they basically talk about more or less the similar principles, which is to still the mind, be one with what you are doing, let your mind and body become one, aim wisdom, peacefulness, calmness understanding, and a virtuous mind.
Here are some views as to how Christians include meditation as part of their prayers. Though there are devout followers of the faith who believe that there is a huge difference between prayer and meditation, there are many who view them equally.
Christianity is not just another religion, for many others is a lifestyle, an everyday thing. Nor is it a part-time job, or something that you are forced into, but rather, something that you are called to, and once you hear that call and recognize it, it is something that you should follow. At present, the world’s largest religion is Christianity, as determined by the number of followers it has. There are about 2 billion adherents to this religion, which comprises more than 30 percent of the current global population.
As mentioned earlier, Christianity for many individuals is a lifestyle. The practice of meditation is somewhat interpreted differently by Christians, and it also varies among sects of the religion. While other religions call it meditation, Christianity calls it devotion. That is your time devoted to God and God alone. It is just you and Him and no one else. For many followers, this is what differentiates Christian meditation from other meditation techniques.
In doing Christian devotions, we don’t just attain that inner peace and that connection with the Spirit on our own; it is God who gives us that peace and it is Him who fills us with the Spirit. When we meditate, we do not just enter a state of mind but rather, the presence of God. It is in that moment that you are able to enter His domain and have the opportunity to worship Him. It is in that moment that His Spirit would purify you, consecrate you, and give you the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
So in some aspects, Christian meditation is similar to other meditative practices. When a person subjects himself to a state of calmness, he opens his body and mind to the benefits of the spirit. In other meditative systems, this spirit enriches the body and makes it healthier. The facilitation of the flow of the spirit into the body creates opportunities for overall wellness, such as the fruits of the Spirit as explained by Christianity.
In other Christian sects, the study of the Holy Bible involves memorization of its verses, which in turn helps them while meditating or praying. Try to explore the other interpretations of meditation in various belief systems, as it allows you to have a more open mind about them.
